New partnership to develop ‘industry-ready’ graduates

University alliance is formed - News -

Imperial College London News Release

For immediate release
Thursday 22 November 2007

Imperial College London has signed a ground breaking Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nexia Solutions Limited which will see the two pooling their expertise to develop new research initiatives and prepare the next generation of UK scientists for industry.

Nexia Solutions, one of the UK’s largest employers in nuclear science and technology, will offer vocational placements to Imperial students studying in materials science, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering and natural sciences.

Nexia personnel and Imperial academics will participate in staff secondments to foster joint research projects covering areas such as: applied modelling; advanced reactor technology and fuel cycles including reactor systems and materials; engineering nuclear facilities; waste management; and nuclear waste disposal.

Professor John Wood, the Head of Imperial’s Faculty of Engineering said:

“The Government has indicated that it wishes to retain the UK’s nuclear science and research capabilities and Nexia Solutions will be at the forefront of this strategy. This agreement lays the groundwork for our two organisations to work together on research projects and provide valuable industry experience for some of our country’s brightest graduates.”

Welcoming the new agreement, Peter Bleasdale, Managing Director of Nexia Solutions said: “We are thrilled to have concluded this pioneering collaboration with Imperial College, a world renowned and prestigious centre for learning and research. Nexia Solutions will continue to develop links with academia to make sure the UK shares and benefits from best practice and the latest advances in technology.”

Professor John Wood and Nexia Solution’s Managing Director, Dr Peter Bleasdale, signed the MoU in Imperial’s Faculty building on November 22, 2007. The signing ceremony was followed by small a reception attended by senior staff from both organisations to mark the occasion.

Colin Smith
Press Officer
Imperial College London
Email: cd.smith@imperial.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)207 594 6712
Out of hours duty press officer: +44 (0)7803 886 248

Note to editors:

1. About Nexia Solutions

Nexia Solutions Limited provides nuclear science technology services to clients in the UK. Its main customers include the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), Sellafield Ltd, Westinghouse and British Energy plc.

In October 2006, the former Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, Alistair Darling, announced plans for Nexia Solutions to form the foundation of the National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL)- the UK’s national nuclear science and research hub. When fully established, the NNL will have an extensive network of collaborations with research councils, industry and academia.

•Nexia Solutions Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of British Nuclear Fuels plc (BNFL).
•Nexia Solutions will be the foundation of the UK National Nuclear Laboratory
•The business specialises in providing customers with tailored solutions by applying the right level of technical innovation and intellectual support.
•Responding to UK Government requirements concerning the nuclear skills base, Nexia Solutions has the mission to protect the national nuclear technology capability.
•Nexia Solutions provides a core offering of technology services and solutions across the full nuclear fuel cycle in the UK and overseas.
•Main UK customers for Nexia Solutions services include the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), British Nuclear Group, Westinghouse and British Energy plc

2. About Imperial College London
Rated as the world's fifth best university in the 2007 Times Higher Education Supplement University Rankings, Imperial College London is a science-based institution with a reputation for excellence in teaching and research that attracts over 12,000 students and 6,000 staff of the highest international quality. Innovative research at the College explores the interface between science, medicine, engineering and management and delivers practical solutions that improve quality of life and the environment - underpinned by a dynamic enterprise culture.

With 66 Fellows of the Royal Society among our current academic staff and distinguished past members of the College including 14 Nobel Laureates and two Fields Medallists, Imperial's contribution to society has been immense. Inventions and innovations include the discovery of penicillin, the development of holography and the foundations of fibre optics. This commitment to the application of our research for the benefit of all continues today with current focuses including interdisciplinary collaborations to tackle climate change and mathematical modelling to predict and control the spread of infectious diseases.

The College's 100 years of living science will be celebrated throughout 2007 with a range of events to mark the Centenary of the signing of Imperial's founding charter on 8 July 1907.